Characterisation of the Interfacial Adhesion of the Different Components in Wood–Plastic Composites with AFM
Characterisation of the Interfacial Adhesion of the Different Components in Wood–Plastic Composites with AFM
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Date
2015
Authors
Effah, Bernard
Van Reenen, Albert
Meincken, Martina
Journal Title
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Publisher
Springer Science Reviews (2015)
Abstract
The search for innovative solutions for the
reuse of solid residues has intensified with growing envi ronmental issues and the increasing cost of most raw
materials, leading to the design of eco-friendly composite
materials, such as wood–plastic composites (WPCs). These
materials combine the stability of wood fibres with the
durability of plastic, allowing for a wide range of appli cations, whilst simultaneously offering the possibility of
utilising waste products from the forest/wood industry and
recycled plastic. Waste products that otherwise incur cost
for disposal therefore become a sustainable material
resource for new products. Natural fibres offer a number of
advantages over synthetic fibres and are seen as a ‘‘green’’
alternative to other reinforcements. Commonly, the fibre matrix adhesion in WPCs is improved by using compati bilisers that bond to the polar wood fibres and the non-polar
polymer matrix. However, the problem with these is that
good dispersion is not always achieved as it depends on the
adhesion properties of three individual components in the
WPC, which might lead to poor mechanical properties of
the WPC. The ability of the atomic force microscope
(AFM) to create 3D images of topography and various
interaction forces with molecular resolution made it a
valuable tool for the analysis of adhesion properties in
WPCs.
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Citation
Effah, B., Van Reenen, A., & Meincken, M. (2015). Characterisation of the interfacial adhesion of the different components in wood–plastic composites with AFM. Springer Science Reviews, 3, 97-111.